Can I record or film police officers on duty?
Constitution of Kenya, National Police Service Act and IPOA · sources read 4 Oct 2026
The Constitution protects your freedom to seek, receive and share information, and requires the police to be transparent and accountable. No official source we found speaks directly to filming officers. What is clear: obstructing an officer on duty is an offence, so keep a safe distance and don't get in the way.
- Where
- IPOA, if you want to report police misconduct you recorded (toll free 1559 or ipoa.go.ke)
Steps
- Record from a distance and keep out of the officers' way. Don't touch, block or argue with an officer who is working.
- Try to capture the officer's name tag or service number. Officers in uniform must wear one where it can be clearly seen.
- If the video shows police misconduct, make a complaint to IPOA and include it as evidence, with the date, place and officer's details.
- You can complain at an IPOA office, by phone, on the IPOA website, by letter or by email.
- Call IPOA free on 1559.
Watch out
- Police can arrest you without a warrant if they say you are obstructing them, so stay calm and keep your distance.
- Sharing the video is also covered by your freedom of expression, but you must respect other people's rights and reputation. Don't add false claims or hate speech.
- Your right to privacy includes not having your possessions seized. If an officer grabs your phone or makes you delete footage, report it to IPOA.
Who this covers
- Every person, not only journalists.
Official sources (4)
- The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 parliament.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- National Police Service Act, No. 11A of 2011 (Revised Edition 2017) nationalpolice.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- FAQs ipoa.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Complaints ipoa.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026